Sure. My post was mostly in response to Static's question: "Is there some state of consciousness that only crazy people achieve that allows them plausible deniability of obvious facts?"

I'm curious, Conrad: What exactly do you think is brilliant about Stefan?

Thanks!

Wikipedia: confabulation

Quote:

Confabulation is the confusion of imagination with memory, and/or the confusion of true memories with false memories. Berlyne (1972) defined confabulation as “…a falsification of memory occurring in clear consciousness in association with an organically derived amnesia.” He distinguished between: (i) “momentary” (or “provoked”) confabulations - fleeting, and invariably provoked by questions probing the subject’s memory – sometimes consisting of “real” memories displaced in their temporal context. (ii) “fantastic” (or “spontaneous”) confabulations - characterised by the spontaneous outpouring of irrelevant associations – sometimes bizarre ideas, which may be held with firm conviction. Patients who have suffered brain damage or lesions, especially to the Prefrontal cortical regions, may have confabulation of memories as a symptom. Patients with Korsakoff's syndrome characteristically confabulate by guessing an answer or imagining an event and then mistaking their guess or imagination for an actual memory. Confabulation is a function of the brain's chemistry. It is a mapping of the activation of neurons to brain activity. [1] Confabulation can also occur as a result of damage to the Anterior communicating artery (ACoA), in the Circle of Willis. Confabulation also appears to be a common occurrence in normal individuals under experimental circumstances, as shown by research on choice blindness. [1] Some military agents, such as BZ, and deliriant drugs such as those found in datura, noticeably scopolamine and atropine, may also cause confabulation.

I KNEW I shouldn't have spent so much time in the Circle of Willis!

- NonE

Hmm. Interesting commentary, Conrad. I think I have to agree with a lot/most of it. Now let's talk about my absolutely brilliant, unique, and world changing conception of "voluntary interaction!"

It's sad in that I think that Stef really has a lot to offer, but I will no longer tolerate his abusive and dishonest nature, regardless of his other values.

(Oh yes, we need to discuss your spelling, too!)

- NonE

okay, thanks. that does explain it

Thanks for clearing that up Lizard, and thanks for all the thoughts from everyone else.

I apologize if everyone got caught up on "different state of consciousness". That was really just a snide remark, but everyone gave meaningful feedback regardless.

I am still doubtful that Stef doesn't realize when he is making illogical claims simply because they are in such stark contrast to the precise logic used everywhere else. I will keep this all in mind though when viewing his future behavior.

It would be awesome if any of the people here could hear the very first set of premium podcasts that Stefan made. It was a three-part critique of Ayn Rand and objectivism, and it occurred to me later when I finally decided to walk away from FDR, that he was so talking about himself. I really wish I'd saved it now.

OT

reddeerrick wrote:

when I finally decided to walk away from FDR,

What ever happened to Charlie? He played bass. Did he walk away too?

reddeerrick, were those podcasts also about the sociology and psychology of the Randians, not just about the Rand philosophy? if so, interesting and especially ironic that they are among the very first premium podcasts (what with the isolation and inner circle and what not)

If I recall correctly, the podcasts did address that aspect. What I remember most is him repeating about how Rand, by sheer force of her incredible will, powered over the problem of is vs. ought, and carefully sidestepped any questioning in that area, becoming irritable and mocking of her questioners.